Laboratory Scientist (biology) Review

Item: Laboratory Scientist (biology) at GSK
Rating: 4.3
Author: Anonymous

at GSK

Degree Apprenticeship

Research

Stevenage

Review Submitted: April 2025

Overall Rating

4.3 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5

Lab science in the R&D space, including attending relevant meetings, developing active lab-work skills and assisting with ongoing projects. I have worked on both portfolio and signature projects, maintaining routine lab standards and assisting wider departments.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I enjoy the programme. I feel there could be more flexibility in the rotations across departments in the 4 year period, but still feel I will be able to develop a broad range of transferrable skills. The degree education I feel could be of a higher quality, but is enjoyable and productive.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

Yes, there is lots of room for development and I have been taught a variety of skills which have then been solidified and revisited. Beyond the lab, the processing of data, communication within teams and presentation skills have also been important.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/5

Relatively. The work side allows for a natural progression, even if not set in stone in advanced (which in turn is quite nice as it allows for pursuit of interest) and the university is logical even if seemingly over complicated for the first modules.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

Support from the company has been amazing, both with university work and personal circumstances. The ability to work and sometimes study from home has been incredibly beneficial, and I have felt supported by all managerial figures.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

There are support networks available, and the academic staff have in my experience been receptive to answer questions when needed. However it would be nice to have more support adjusting to university life and perhaps more opportunity to interact with other students on the course.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

Somewhat. The degree isn't always relevant to the work I'm doing, but I enjoy having knowledge outside my field as well as a strong background knowledge to apply theoretical principles to.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

5/5

Yes, the site offers a variety of social activities both through the gym and sports center as well as promoting wellbeing activities

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend GSK to a friend?

Yes

Why?

Supportive environment, flexible working, manageable workload. I've been given opportunities to present and take on more responsibility, but there has remained a mindfulness of my other workload.